Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Sunday said there is no need for people to worry over attempts to disturb peace in the Union Territory, asserting that the administration and security forces are fully committed to maintaining peace.
Sinha made the remarks while responding to demands being raised at a programme of displaced Kashmiri Pandits on security for KP employees in the valley due to recent terror incidents.
“There are many challenges, including the one you mentioned. But I believe there are even bigger challenges that we have to address,” the LG said at the annual-day function of the Kashmiri Pandit Volunteers (KPV) here.
He said the biggest challenge in the past was the perception that no one would be willing to carry the national flag in Jammu and Kashmir.
“But you have seen today that there are so many shoulders — and such strong shoulders — ready to carry the tricolour. What you have witnessed today is a powerful example of that change,” Sinha said.
On recent terror incidents and attempts to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, he acknowledged that such efforts are being made but asserted that there is no need for people to panic.
“Attempts are being made to disturb the atmosphere again. There is no need to worry. The necessary concerns are being addressed, and this has not started today, such efforts have been underway for some time,” Sinha said.
“There are also people who spread rumours. I assure you that the administration and security forces are fully committed to maintaining peace. Anyone who attempts to disrupt the prevailing peace will not be allowed to succeed in their designs,” he said.
On a KP leader’s demand on enhancement of relief, the LG said the government is making continuous efforts to resolve issues.
“I would like to say, with a full sense of responsibility, that efforts have been made to find a solution and these efforts are continuing.
“While some issues can be resolved, others cannot be addressed immediately. Nevertheless, continuous efforts are being made to resolve all matters that can be addressed at the earliest,” he said.
The remarks came after KPV founder Vikram Kaul in his address urged the government and the LG not to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, citing security concerns and the challenges facing the Union Territory, to enhance monthly relief and ensure long term security to KP employees in the valley in the wake of terror attacks.
Meanwhile, LG said the Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra is not merely a physical journey but a profound inward journey towards self-realisation and the eternal consciousness of Lord Shiva.
Addressing the inaugural function of the sacred pilgrimage, Sinha said the yatra is a “sacred path of devotion, discipline, and unity” and called upon devotees to follow the path of dharma and truth in their daily lives.
The Lieutenant Governor recalled the spiritual significance of the shrine, saying Maharishi Pulastya performed penance at the site and received Lord Shiva’s blessings, ensuring that it remained a centre of faith and devotion for generations.
He also highlighted the significance of the sacred river flowing alongside the shrine, known as Pulast Ganga, and the historical traditions of ‘Pulast Nagari’, now Poonch, saying they reflect the deep spiritual heritage of the region.
Sinha said the pilgrimage is also a symbol of India’s unity in diversity, as thousands of devotees from different parts of the country come together, walk together and chant the name of Lord Shiva.
“This Yatra holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. That is why thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country gather here every year and undertake the yatra together. They walk together and chant the name of Lord Shiva together. It is also a symbol of unity in diversity, strength through spirituality and peace through surrender to Lord Shiva, the supreme power,” he said.
Drawing upon the episode of Lord Shiva consuming poison during the Samudra Manthan, the Lieutenant Governor said true leadership and devotion lie in absorbing hardships for the welfare of others.
He urged pilgrims to imbibe the lessons of patience, sacrifice and spiritual strength during the yatra.
Sinha also commended the efforts of the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, along with volunteers of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, for organising the pilgrimage with devotion and discipline for over two decades.
He said discipline, when combined with devotion, illuminates the path for present and future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor prayed for the successful conduct of the yatra and wished that Lord Baba Budha Amarnath Ji bless every pilgrim with strength, wisdom, courage and peace.
He also said the worship of Lord Shiva permeates India’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
“The worship of Lord Shiva permeates the entire cultural and spiritual fabric of India. From Kedarnath in the north to the sacred Rameshwaram in the south, and from Somnath in the west to Tarakeshwar in the east, Lord Shiva embodies the unifying consciousness of our civilisation while binding this vast nation together in harmony amidst its diversity,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the yatra would commence on Sunday morning from Bhagwati Nagar with a flag-off ceremony and extended his wishes for a safe, smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for all devotees.
Swami Dinesh Bharti Ji, Milind Parande, Organising General Secretary, Vishva Hindu Parishad; Kishan Prajapat, National Convenor, Bajrang Dal; Rajesh Gupta, President, Vishva Hindu Parishad, J&K; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; senior officials and prominent citizens were present.
‘True tribute to martyrs, work with integrity’
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday hoisted the national flag at Lok Bhavan here to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.
Paying homage to the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the lieutenant governor emphasised the difficult journey, struggle and sacrifice for Independence.
He also paid tribute to the civilians who tragically lost their lives in unfortunate natural calamities this year.
“On this historic day, I join all citizens in paying heartfelt tributes to our founding fathers and the valiant sons and daughters of Mother India who sacrificed their lives for country’s freedom. Let us strive to realise their cherished dreams of building a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir and a great nation. The truest tribute we can pay to our martyrs and freedom fighters is to resolve to work with integrity and safeguard our hard-earned freedom,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he expressed strong confidence in India’s potential to emerge as a global leader.
The lieutenant governor emphasised that citizens must unite to foster an inclusive society that prioritises public interest and extends compassion to the underprivileged.
“Let us strive for balanced growth and the economic empowerment of women to build a more humane and compassionate society. We must prioritise empowering women and youth, generating jobs and ensuring environmental sustainability. Our ongoing initiatives, such as revitalising heritage sites, restoring ancient monuments and undertaking massive afforestation drives, stand as a testament to our steadfast commitment to sustainable development,” he added.
The lieutenant governor congratulated all the brave personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces who received gallantry medals on the eve of Independence Day, while also commending sportspersons for their exceptional achievements and contribution to the Union Territory’s pride.
He urged everyone to renew their commitment to serving the nation with greater vigour, sincerity, and dedication.
